HLS Student Government
Special & Spring Elections
Are you passionate about making a difference at HLS? Running for Student Government and voting in our elections is your chance to shape our community and advocate for what matters most to you and your peers! The HLS Student Government’s purpose is to “defend the welfare of the Student Body, advocate for policy changes for the benefit of the Student Body, and promote shared student governance.”
There are two upcoming Student Government elections. On March 11–13, we will have a vote on a divestment referendum brought by a petition signed by 300 students. On March 30–April 1, we will have the spring election for positions in the 2025–2026 HLS Student Government.
- More information about the role of Student Government and its elected leaders can be found in the Constitution and Bylaws.
- Interested students can declare their candidacies here by 11:59pm Friday, March 21.
- A link to vote through Qualtrics will be available on this site when voting opens.
- Eligible voter status will be confirmed through HLS email addresses.
- Students, such as joint-degree students, who may not be able to vote from their HLS email address can cure their ballots by emailing the Election Commission ([email protected]) from their HLS email.
- For questions, please email the Election Commission ([email protected]) and CC the Student Government account ([email protected]).
Special Election
The following question has been put to a referendum of the student body through the submission of a petition signed by 300 students pursuant to Article V, Section 3 of the Student Government Constitution.
“Should Harvard divest from weapons, surveillance technology, and other companies aiding violations of international humanitarian law, including Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine?”
Public Campaigning: Wednesday, February 26 – Monday, March 10
Election: 8am Tuesday, March 11 – 10pm Thursday, March 13
Spring Election
The following positions are up for election for the 2025-2026 Student Government. Students can submit their candidacy for a position here. The deadline for declaring candidacy is 11:59pm on Friday, March 21.
- Co-Presidents (2, run as a ticket)
- Director of Student Organizations (1)
- 3L Representatives (4)
- 2L Representatives (4)
- SJD Representative (1)
Public Campaigning: Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29
Election: 8am Sunday, March 30 – 10pm Tuesday, April 1
Elections Rules from Bylaws
- “Public campaigning” is defined as campaigning utilizing publicly distributed printed materials, websites, or public social media.
- All campaigning must be done in accordance with Law School policies.
- Campaign materials may only be affixed on designated flyer boards.
- Candidates may not tamper with the campaign materials of other candidates.
- Candidates and tickets may not spend more than $100 during the course of a campaign advocating the election or rejection of a candidate or ticket.
- Candidates may not give away food or drinks as part of the campaign.
- Students cannot harass, threaten, or coerce others to vote or not vote.
Clarifications to the Rules based on Questions Received
- Bylaws rules that specify they apply to candidates, such as the $100 spending limit, do not apply to referenda.
- General rules around campaigning, such as against harassing, threatening, or coercing others to vote or not vote, do apply to referenda.
- Voter coercion includes promising or giving away money, gift cards, or other monetary incentives to influence students’ vote.
- Once voting begins, public campaigning is no longer allowed. Per our Bylaws, ““Public campaigning” is defined as campaigning utilizing publicly distributed printed materials, websites, or public social media.” “Public” as used in this definition will be understood to include campaigning that is directed to the general student body or random members thereof. In keeping with last year’s interpretation, “Public social media” includes group chats of entire student organizations.
- “Public campaigning” does not include communication students opt-in to receiving, such as events or non-public social media.
- Communications that encourage voting or publicize election information without advocating for a specific candidate or option do not fall under campaigning and the rule against “public campaigning” once voting starts. If you are unsure if your communications are impartial as to a candidate or option, we ask that you seek pre-approval by emailing us at [email protected].